Small Time Napoleon has been described as “a mad science blend of western swing, hot jazz, and folk” by Insider Louisville’s Kyle Ware. Their live shows are intimate and natural while remaining energetic. Their combination of swing-era influence with modern inclinations has driven them to a sound and style that is both new and old and wholly their own.

Small Time Napoleon began as the coalition of Dan Hardin and Jeff Thomas. Accomplished musicians in their own right, they’ve combined their affection for harmony, curiosity of rhythm, and fascination with the tunes of the past to create a unique musical experience. Adding to the sound is Ryan Fowler on drums and Dave Neill on bass. Both have a constantly expanding and increasingly impressive voice in their respective instruments and are great assets to the band.

With artists like Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Rufus Wainwright, and John Prine in mind they’ve recently written, recorded, and released their debut EP which has received positive feedback from listeners and critics alike. Laura Shine, Assistant Program Director/On-Air Host at Louisville’s own WFPK, says of the band, “Small Time Napoleon is poised for big time things. They are truly one of the most unique and exciting bands I’ve seen come out of Louisville in a very long time. Their music and instrumentation and vocals are exquisite!” Recently WFPK saw fit to place "Sidewinder", one of two singles to receive regular airplay, at number 54 on their "Top 100 Songs of 2013". More recently the band was featured on The World Cafe as apart of David Dye's "Sense of Place" series and was listed as one of Louisville's 5 Best Local Acts.

Each listener seems to hear a different thread of influences, Kyle Ware of Insider Louisville finds "their sound-a mad science blend of western swing, hot jazz and folk-is already starting to gel into something wholly singular." Regardless of the category, audiences walk away with their toes tapping, humming some syncopated number of modern nostalgia seldom heard from artists today